Metro
Nigeria, Egypt to Sign MOU on Arts and Crafts Development
Nigeria and the Republic of Egypt have agreed to deepen their bilateral cooperation through a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) on ways of developing their Arts and Crafts sector.
This is one of the decisions reached when the Director General, National Council for Arts and Culture, Otunba Segun Runsewe received in audience a delegation from the Republic of Egypt led by His Excellency, Ambassador Ihab Ahmed in his office.
The Ambassador remarked that he has been following the activities of Otunba Runsewe who has positively projected the image of Nigeria home and abroad within the Culture and Tourism space adding that Otunba is assiduously working to transform Nigeria’s rich and diverse Cultural heritage into a viable economy.
The Envoy who stated that there was a lot of similarities between both countries in the area of arts and culture added that the Republic of Egypt was exploring ways of strongly collaborating with Nigeria through the NCAC to create a platform to showcase both country’s rich cultural heritage.
He further revealed that the Egyptian embassy is working on an action plan which will enable Otunba Runsewe and his management team visit the Republic of Egypt to see the enormous opportunities in the arts and culture sector which will culminate in the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) for its development.
The head of the Egyptian delegation solicited the assistance of NCAC to create a window where arts and crafts products in the Egyptian can be exhibited in Nigeria as plans have reached an advanced stage for both countries to synergize in that regard.
The Ambassador then assured of the the full participation of his Embassy at this year’s International Arts and Crafts (INAC) Expo coming up in August the year.
In his speech, the Director General, Otunba Runsewe, who thanked the delegation for the visit expressed joy that the diplomatic relationship between both countries have witnessed robust growth over the years.
According to Runsewe, Nigeria and Egypt share a deep cultural history which has advanced the socio economic development of both countries given their commitment to ECOWAS treaties and IMF leaving both countries with similar and stronger values.
Runsewe, who is also the President of the World Crafts Council, African Region reiterated the need for Nigeria and the Republic of Egypt to work towards harnessing their rich tourism potentials. He then revealed his plans to launch the NIGERIA- EGYPT FRIENDSHIP CLUB during his visit to the ancient city of Egypt to foster growth and deepen diplomatic ties between the countries.
Runsewe used the occasion to invite the Ambassador to the annual Pre-INAC dinner for the diplomatic community coming up in May this year and expressed his readiness to provide a World class Media platform during the 2022 International Arts and Crafts (INAC) Expo where all participating countries will have equal opportunity to showcase, network and market their rich cultural strengths to the world.
There was exchange of cultural souvenirs between the Director General and the Egyptian delegation.
The Lagos State Security Trust Fund has intensified support for community-based security with the donation of 100 anti-riot kits and 1,000 pairs of operational boots to the Lagos State Neighbourhood Safety Agency.
The high quality modern equipment was presented on behalf of the Executive Secretary/CEO, Dr. Ayodele Ogunsan, by the Director of Administration, Mr. Adegbola Lewis, to the General Manager of LNSA, Dr. Ifalade Oyekan, at the Agency’s headquarters in Oshodi.
The Lagos Neighbourhood Safety Agency plays a critical role in grassroots security as they support the police through intelligence gathering, routine patrols, and community policing initiatives across all local government areas in the state. The Corps is also tasked with maintaining law and order, detecting suspicious activities, and fostering safety awareness within communities.
The intervention is expected to further strengthen neighbourhood-level security architecture and deepen collaboration between communities and formal law enforcement agencies in State.
The Federal government has declared Friday, May 1, a public holiday to commemorate this year’s International Workers’ Day.
The Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, made the announcement on behalf of the government.
In a statement signed by the Permanent Secretary of the ministry, Magdalene Ajani, the minister congratulated workers nationwide, commending their commitment and contributions to national development.
He noted that the dedication of Nigerian workers remains vital to the country’s growth and economic progress, urging them to sustain values of patriotism, productivity and diligence.
Tunji-Ojo also reaffirmed the government’s commitment to improving workers’ welfare, enhancing security and creating an enabling environment for economic expansion.
He called on Nigerians to remain peaceful and law-abiding during the celebration, encouraging citizens to reflect on the importance of unity and hard work in nation-building.
The Trade Union Congress (TUC) has expressed concern over the rising pressure on workers’ welfare and economic conditions of the country.
The Congress warned that it would embark on nationwide protest, if there is no improvement.
The warning was conveyed in in a communiqué jointly signed by the TUC President, Mr. Festus Osifo, and Secretary-General, Mr. Nuhu Toro, at the end of its National Executive Council (NEC) meeting in Abuja.
The Congress said the NEC meeting reviewed the state of the nation, developments within the congress, preparations for the 2026 May Day celebration, and other critical issues affecting Nigerian workers.
“The prevailing economic hardship has significantly affected the living standards of Nigerian workers, making daily survival increasingly difficult.
“We are closely monitoring the situation, and if there is no improvement, the congress will have no option but to mobilise workers in defence of their welfare.
“Government must urgently take concrete steps to address the rising cost of living and restore confidence in the economy,” it said.
The Congress said rising fuel prices, inflation, electricity tariff increases and insecurity had combined to erode workers’ purchasing power and living standards.
It noted that global developments, including the Iran–U.S. conflict, were further worsening economic pressures through higher energy costs and supply chain disruptions.
According to the TUC, Nigerian workers have not benefited from higher global oil prices but continue to face rising costs of transportation, food and essential services.
It urged the Federal Government to deploy excess crude revenue to cushion economic shocks and support vulnerable citizens.
The congress also called for urgent measures to stabilise fuel prices, improve electricity supply, and address insecurity nationwide.
It emphasised the need for policies that promote decent work, job security and social protection.
“The government must prioritise the welfare, dignity and security of Nigerian workers in all policy decisions,” it said.
The TUC further called for tax relief for manufacturing companies and workers to ease economic pressure and stimulate productivity.
On electricity, it condemned repeated tariff increases without improved service delivery and demanded fair pricing, universal metering, and an end to estimated billing.
The congress expressed concern over rising insecurity, describing it as a major threat to economic activities and workers’ safety.
It urged government at all levels to adopt coordinated, intelligence-driven strategies to protect lives, farms, businesses and critical infrastructure.
“A stitch in time saves nine,” the communiqué added.
